“Today,” he said, “we do what thousands before us couldn’t. Together, as a team, we will enter the city, stop Blount, and bring peace to Allund. Today, we will end the Centurial War.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
After another hour of planning, the sun had dipped low in the sky, casting a rusty haze over the woods. The Relics were passed out—Night to Brea, Wind to Isla, Terrae to Ethenn, and Space to Deckard. Ilain sat with Vayden, giving him the exact directions through the palace grounds and the halls containing the known secret entrances and passages.
Ethenn and Brea covered themselves in extra weapons, preparing for every eventuality. Even Vayden added extra daggers to his person, carrying Brea’s old bow and quiver as well. And while Deckard tightened the buckle on his sword belt, he removed his moonstone ring.
“You’re not wearing your ring?” Evylin asked in surprise.
A strange emotion flowed from Deckard, and she sensed it was something between determination and resignation. “We already discussed this plan,” he said. “If we want to trick Blount, he can’t know I’m a Mage. I’ll avoid using my magic for as long as possible, and when the time comes,” he tucked the ring into her hand, wrapping her fingers around the stone and metal, “I’ll simply summon it back.”
Evylin smirked. “You’re quite welcome for that discovery.”
He gave her a wry smile and turned to the team. “While I’d like to say I have no doubts about this plan’s success, I’m afraidI’m not that confident in myself. However,” his chin rose as he surveyed each of them, “I am confident in each of you.”
A swell of pride filled Deckard’s manner. “Together, we’ve survived seven Keeps. We’ve fought Guardians and Shades, Mages and mercenaries. We’ve evaded Blount six times now. Whatever comes of this day, we will survive this too.”
“Don’t get sappy on us, Colonel,” Rafferty said despite an unusually weak grin on his lips.
Deckard gave him a nod. “Let’s end this war, shall we?”
With resounding fervor, the troop agreed before moving to exchange their farewells. Vayden pulled Ilain into a long, protective hug. They whispered to one another, tears coming to their eyes, likely sharing the memory of Auden. Isla was at their side, gently rubbing circles on Ilain’s back.
Thom, Rafferty, and Ethenn stood in a circle, giving each other masculine pats on the shoulders until Thom rolled his eyes and swept both men into one massive hug. “I love you idiots,” he said.
Ethenn flushed lightly, muttering, “You too,” while Rafferty rolled his eyes and shoved out of Thom’s grasp.
“I preferred you when you were emotionally stunted,” he said.
Evylin shook hands with Vayden and hugged Isla. Brea gave Evylin some final advice, then offered a kind farewell before turning to Thom.
“Be safe,mi’caro,” she said.
“You too,demoloba,” Thom replied.
One of her eyebrows lifted. “If we make it out of this alive, you’re going to come up with a better nickname for me.”
He smirked. “I’ll see what I can come up with.”
For a moment, Brea looked about to hug him. Then she slapped his cheek instead. “Te’idita pé ai’amós,” she said rapidly.
Thom’s brow furrowed. “I didn’t catch all of that.”
“You weren’t supposed to.” Brea winked and walked away.
Evylin eyed Thom, but Ethenn stepped before her nervously, and she turned to the young man.
“I, uh—” He cleared his throat and started again. “I hope this isn’t the end,” he said. “You’ve become rather important to me and...”
In his bashful silence, Evylin reached forward and pulled him into a hug. He tensed, all his muscles taut under her embrace. “We’re family, remember?” she said, and he noticeably relaxed. “That makes you quite important to me too.”
Slowly, cautiously, Ethenn returned the hug. “Be careful, please,” he whispered.
“Only if you are,” she teased.
They parted, sharing small smiles.
Evylin turned to share her last farewell, expecting to find Deckard at her side. Instead, he stood off at the far end of the clearing with Rafferty. They talked quietly, but there was something strangely serious in their mannerisms. Then Rafferty sniggered, and Deckard rolled his eyes. They shook hands, and Deckard stepped away.
